The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#512

512. Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night

1 Behold the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night,
And blest is he whose loins are girt, whose lamp is burning bright;
But woe to that dull servant, whom the Master shall surprise
With lamp untrimmed, unburning and with slumber in his eyes.

2 Do thou, my soul, beware, beware lest thou in sleep sink down,
Lest thou be given o’er to death, and lose the golden crown;
But see that thou be sober, with a watchful eye, and thus
Cry, "Holy, holy, holy God, have mercy upon us!"

3 That day, the day of fear, shall come; my soul, slack not thy toil,
But light thy lamp, and feed it well, and make it bright with oil;
Who knowest not how soon may sound the cry at eventide,
"Behold the Bridegroom comes! Arise! He come to meet the Bride!"

4 Beware, my soul! take thou good heed lest thou in slumber lie,
And, like the five, remain without, and knock, and vainly cry;
But watch, and bear thy lamp undimmed, and Christ shall gird thee on
His own bright wedding robe of light,--the glory of the Son.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night
• Author: Anon.
• Meter: 14s. 4L.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity; Watchfulness
• Source: (Greek)

Tune Information

• Name: [Behold the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night]
• Composer: T. Tallis, 1515—85
• Meter: 14s. 4L.
• Incipit: 13231 22117 12211
• Key: e minor